Bandol

Diving possibilities:
Cost indication:
Guide mandatory:	yes
Country:	France
Sea:	Mediterranean Sea

Foto by: jimmyroq
June to September is the best time to dive the Mediterranean Sea. The average temperature in this period is 25ºC (77ºF) and the wind is moderate. It is however possible to dive every day of the year. The only spoilers are rain and wind - which will decrease visibility - and spring has the most of both.

Popular family destination with hidden beaches

Bandol is a small village to the east of Marseilles, easily reached by car or train. Bandol is a child-friendly place where you will find many families on vacation.

Typical holiday village
There is a relaxed, holiday feel to Bandol. The residents take their time and don’t seem to know the meaning of stress. Bandol is a popular holiday destination. It is wise to book a hotel or campground in advance because during the summer the little place is literally bursting at the seams. The peak season is between mid-July and mid-August. After mid-August the crowds gradually decrease and there is plenty of room on the beach again.

Diving and the Mistral
Bandol has two dive schools. If you dive often, you can get a good deal. Taking a dive course will be more expensive than average, but you will definitely get a lot of attention and value for money. In this area you will have to deal with the cold Mistral winds. The water can therefore be surprisingly cold. This meteorological phenomenon ensures a very special marine life.

Natural beaches
The municipality of Bandol has a number of beautiful beaches of which some are deliciously hidden. The beaches are often surrounded by rocks. Sometimes you will need to walk for 10 minutes before you reach the beach. The positive side to this is that there are no roads on the beach, which only enhances the restfulness and water quality. You will notice the difference in water quality between beaches next to a road or boulevard.

Bandol Summary
A tourist town where the main attraction is not the diving. It is an informal place where you can get a taste of French culture or practise a water sport.